Taye Arimoro never envisioned a conventional nine-to-five job. His early exposure to the entertainment industry came through working at his brother’s record label, which provided him with the experience and clarity he needed to pursue a career in acting.
Breaking into Nollywood wasn’t straightforward for Arimoro; he faced numerous self-doubts and challenges, even shedding tears at the start of his career. Yet, he persevered and has since appeared in notable projects like Criminal, Casa De Novia, Slum King, and Game On.
His latest work, Broken Portrait, features him as the love interest of a woman dealing with her brother’s drug addiction, alongside a talented cast including Teni Aladese, Ngozi Nwosu, Gbubemi Ejeye, and Floyd Igbo.
In a recent interview with Pulse Nigeria, Arimoro discussed his journey and career highlights:
- Inspiration to Act: Arimoro was driven by a desire to prove to himself that he could commit to and excel in something he wasn’t initially skilled at. His first audition was challenging, but he was determined to improve through hard work and persistence.
- Career Highlight: One standout moment for Arimoro was when Lala Akindoju encouraged him at the 2024 AMVCA after-party, advising him to stay focused on his craft rather than fixating on awards. Her words, “People are watching you. You need to stay in the sun,” have stayed with him, reminding him of the importance of consistent quality work.
- Favorite Role: While he doesn’t have a single favorite role, Arimoro found the experience on Game On particularly rewarding due to the strong chemistry and collaborative environment on set.
- Preparation for Roles: His preparation involves breaking down scenes, recording voice notes, and discussing with directors to align on the vision. Watching films also helps him understand different acting techniques.
- Character in Broken Portrait: The role appealed to him because of its familial dynamics and the opportunity to work with esteemed actors like Ngozi Nwosu. The project resonated with him personally, given his own experiences with addiction in his family.
- On Set Experience: The atmosphere on set was positive, and the respect among cast members made it a memorable experience. He connected with the story deeply, especially given his personal understanding of addiction’s impact.
- Views on Substance Abuse: Arimoro acknowledges the challenges faced by youths in Nigeria and advises staying away from drugs. He emphasizes the importance of proper coping mechanisms and support systems.
- Balancing Personal Life and Career: Balancing family life with a demanding acting career is challenging, especially regarding fitness. Despite the difficulties, he strives to make time for his loved ones when not on set.
- Influences and Mentors: Arimoro is inspired by actors like Denzel Washington and Damson Idris, and admires Tyler Perry for his entrepreneurial success. He also looks up to Daniel Etim, Adedimeji Lateef, Uzor Arukwe, OC Ukeje, and Blossom Chukwujekwu for their acting skills.
- Memorable Moment: A notable moment was receiving a round of applause on the set of Casa De Novia, which gave him a sense of fulfillment and validation for his work.
- Advice for Aspiring Actors: Arimoro advises aspiring actors to have a clear vision of their goals and remain patient and determined. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and being intentional about one’s career path.
Taye Arimoro’s journey underscores the value of persistence, preparation, and staying true to one’s vision, offering valuable insights for anyone aspiring to make a mark in the acting world.